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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
8 min read
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
December 10, 2024
The CEA Card is a UK scheme that helps disabled people enjoy the cinema with extra support. It allows one carer, PA or companion to accompany you for free, making film trips more accessible and affordable. This guide explains how to apply for a CEA Card, who is eligible, and the key benefits it provides.
Save extra money with Purpl by taking advantage of Cinema Society discounts with savings of up to 40% off cinema tickets as well as discounts on snack, plus you can also get discounts for a wide range of cinemas including Odeon, Vue, Showcase cinemas and more.
The CEA Card is a National card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA). It allows a disabled person to bring a companion, PA or carer for free to participating cinemas. To get the free ticket, you will need to purchase a full price ticket for yourself for the same performance of the same film in the same auditorium in a single transaction.
The CEA Card helps ensure that UK cinemas stay accessible and inclusive for disabled guests, but it is only one part of wider support. Under the Equality Act, if you need adjustments to visit a cinema because of your disability, staff are required to make reasonable changes for you whether you have a CEA Card or not.
The free ticket is provided on the assumption that the person who accompanies you can provide you with appropriate assistance, this might include:
You can apply for a CEA Card if you have a disability or impairment that requires additional support when visiting the cinema. To qualify, the person requiring assistance must be 5 years of age or older and be in receipt of one of the following:
Or hold:
Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or being a Blue Badge holder are not accepted as sole proof of eligibility.
The CEA Card offers a range of benefits that make cinema trips more accessible and affordable:
The application process for the CEA Card is straightforward and can be completed either online or by post. Applying online is usually quicker and easier, while applying by post is a good option if you feel more comfortable with paper forms, though it will take a little longer to receive your card.
If you need help completing the application, there are several options. You can ask a friend or family member to support you, search for step-by-step video guides, follow our detailed instructions, or contact Citizens Advice. Many Citizens Advice centres also offer drop-in sessions where staff can help with form filling and other disability-related paperwork.
You can apply on behalf of someone else if they are unable to do so. You must have their authority to apply for a card on their behalf and you must have explicit consent from the cardholder to supply their proof of eligibility.
If your child is between 5 and 16 years old, you will need to apply for a CEA Card on their behalf. However, even though you complete the application, your child will still be the cardholder as they are the person requiring care. The card will always be printed in your child’s name.
To apply, you must hold parental responsibility. This means you are either their parent, nominated guardian, or legal representative.
Approximately 90% of cinemas in the UK accept the CEA card. You can search the list of Participating Cinemas on the CEA website here..
If your local cinema does not accept the CEA Card, then start by contacting them directly. Ask why they do not take part and whether they may be open to change in the future.
In addition, remember that even cinemas not accepting the CEA Card are still required by law to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act. This means you may still be able to get the support you need to enjoy an accessible cinema experience.
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires cinemas to make “reasonable adjustments.” This ensures disabled people can access their services and enjoy the cinema equally with non-disabled people.
The adjustments will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the cinema’s ability to implement them. Here are examples of reasonable adjustments a disabled person might request:
The CEA Card entitles you to one free ticket for someone to accompany you to the cinema to provide the assistance you may need during your visit. To get the free ticket, you will need to purchase a full price ticket for yourself for the same performance of the same film in the same auditorium in a single transaction.
You can use your CEA to apply for your Purpl Disabled Discount Membership and get incredible and exclusive deals and discounts on your favourite brands today.
The CEA Card is valid for one year, you can find the date on the card.
Write to them at: CEA Card, PO Box 199, Deeside, CH5 9BW
Telephone: 01244 526 016
Textphone: 18001 01244 526 016
These phone numbers connect to our UK Call Centre. Calls charged at standard UK Landline rates.
Office Hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays.
Alternatively you can email them using the website contact form or at [email protected].
The cost is £6, this covers a number of costs in running the scheme, such as maintaining the website, processing applications and producing the Card.
If you decide you no longer wish to have a CEA Card, please contact the CEA Card as soon as possible after completing your application at [email protected] or on 01244 526 016 and advise them that you wish to cancel.
They will refund your £6.00 application fee up to the point of printing the card but are unable to refund the cost of the card after it has been produced as it is personalised. Please see their full Cancellation Policy for further details.
If you have chosen to send your payment by post, please send your cheque or Postal Order for £6.00 made payable to CEA Card to: CEA Card, PO Box 199, Deeside, CH5 9BW. Make sure you include your name and application reference with your payment and please don’t send cash.
If you have chosen to send payment online, then fill in the online payment option
A recent photo that is a true likeness of the cardholder. It doesn’t need to be an official passport photograph, as long as it shows your head and shoulders clearly and is of good quality.
If you’re applying online, you could take a ‘selfie’ photo with your camera phone or tablet, and upload that. If you are doing so, please don’t take the photo with a window behind you.
Try to avoid busy backgrounds. Please do not take a photo of your previous CEA card, blue badge or from your passport as these will not be good enough quality for print.
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges of living with a disability. Her mission is to work with brands to secure discounts that ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation providing grants for disabled people who need extra financial support.
She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband, son, three stepsons, two cats, and a friendly Labrador. A keen reader, Lego enthusiast, and family-focused person, Georgina is committed to building a supportive, inclusive community for those navigating life with a disability.
Follow @Purpldiscounts on social media for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
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